Hiking Talks #02: Highest Peak in Cavite ~ Pico de Loro

MINOR CLIMB| Considered the highest mountain in the province of Cavite, Mt. Pico De Loro (also known as Mt. Palay-Palay) is so called because of its unique rock formation near its summit.

It stands at 664+ MASL, with a difficulty of 3 out of 9. Pico De Loro is derived from a Spanish word which means “Parrot’s Beak”.
Resources said that the name was given by Spanish mariners who have used the mountain as a directional landmark whenever their galleons approach the port of Manila through Manila Bay. Located approximately 85 kilometers southwest of Manila by road, the mountain actually lies along the boundary of the provinces of Cavite and Batangas. It has two suggested jump-off points – one in Ternate, Cavite and another in Nasugbu, Batangas. It is possible to traverse the mountain from one province to the other, (Cavite to Batangas or vice versa).

HIKING

The trail starts few meters away from DENR Station, one may descend back along the highway of magnetic hills, and at the right side of the road you could notice a bamboo-made long chair. From then on, the trek will start. The first part of the trail is a gradual hike to the Base camp 1 which takes 1 hr. There you will need to register for 20php and may even buy souvenir items if you wish to, then trek until the so called Alibang-bang park that takes 30min(midpoint of the trail)to trek. It is possible to take a full rest in this area. Before approaching Alibang-bang park, there is a spot where you could notice a fence and a wooden gate. This is an indication where a few steps away, you can turn and follow the trail going to the left side which will lead you to the water falls (Best for side trip during rainy reason).

The second part of the trail is steeper and in a pleasant and warm forest; it is a full assault leading all the way to the campsite and summit (1-2hr). Trail signs marked with red and yellow ribbons are visible along the trail; just keep tract of  them along the way and you definitely won’t get lost.

Bamboos along the trail are visible prior to the summit campsite. The campsite is surrounded by some trees but mostly bamboos. There is a view deck at a certain part of the ridge that overlooks the summit and the Parrots Beak. This is the best spot to take a picture of with the summit as the background (take extra careful this area is narrow ridge)

From the campsite, a 5-10 min final assault is very rewarding. The summit is open, a 180 degree-angle-view is possible. There is also an opportunity to scale the famous Parrots Beak for skilled and experience but this could be dangerous. Please be extra cautious.

DETAILS

Major jump off| Magnetis Hill, Ternate

LLA| 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit| 1-2 days / 2-5 hours

Specs| Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

TRANSPORTATION

Latest Update:
Take a bus bound for Ternate or Naic from South Integrated Provincial Terminal (Coastal Mall,Paranaque)

This takes 30min to 1hr travel time. Catch a tricycle which offers special trip to Magnetic Hills, Pico de Loro (fare 100/head one way). This holds approximately 30-45 min travel time.

ITINERARY

I don’t post a detailed itinerary because I believe such should be experienced by nobody else but you yourself. General time frame in every stops are shown in the transportation and hiking part of the article.

Hiking Buddies

Fast Facts

The name Alibang-bang park is derived from the  filipino word, "alibang-bang" which means "Butterfly". When you look up the leaves of any of the many trees at the middle of the park, they are noticeably in a butterfly-like form . Thus the reason for its name.